One person was killed and two more seriously injured in ladder falls on SA construction sites in the recent weeks. 

SafeWork SA has issued an urgent safety alert for the State’s construction industry after the three separate incidents.

The incidents

On 19 January 2022, SafeWork SA received notification that a worker suffered fatal head injuries when they fell to the floor while installing ceiling joists from a ladder within a warehouse. SafeWork SA is currently investigating the incident.

Another worker suffered shoulder fractures and a laceration to a hand when the foot of a ladder slipped when they were climbing between two levels of scaffolding.  The scaffold access from level two to level three had been inadequately installed by the builder and not undertaken by a scaffolder holding a high risk work licence.

In the second incident, a worker was drilling holes for a downpipe at a residential construction site, fell from a ladder, impaling their left foot on an unprotected vertical reo bar. At the time of the incident the ground around the work area was uneven.

Duty holder obligations

SafeWork SA has issued a reminder to duty holders that they must consider reasonably practicable control measures to manage the risk of falls from heights, particularly providing adequate information, training and supervision when workers are required to use ladders.

Portable ladders are one of the least stable, but most commonly used, tools for working at heights and typically require workers to be more vigilant about the risk of falling.

Portable ladders can be a sensible and practical option for working at height when the use of other equipment is not reasonably practicable because of the low risk and short duration of the work.

Before choosing to use a ladder, identify whether a ladder offers the highest level of protection that is reasonably practicable. This is performed by assessing all known and potential risks associated with the use of the ladder, including the environment they are used in, and following the hierarchy of control for prevention of falls.

Fall prevention

A fall from a ladder can have devastating consequences.

• Eliminate the risk by, where practicable, doing all or some of the work on the ground or from a solid construction.
• Use a passive fall prevention device such as scaffolds, perimeter screens, guardrails, safety mesh or elevating work platforms.
• Use a positioning system, such as a travel-restraint system, to ensure employees work within a safe area.
• Use a fall arrest system, such as a harness, catch platform or safety nets, to limit the risk of injuries in the event of a fall.
• Use a suitable fixed or portable ladder.
• Implement administrative controls.

If you need any advice about safety in your business, Master Electricians have unlimited, direct access to the MEA Safety hotline. Speak direct to the experts. Phone 1300 889 198.